She wrote: "I visited my family in Milwaukee and had lunch at The Knick. We had the most wonderful lunch! We are from the Milwaukee/Chicago area and used to get up to Milwaukee frequently until we had to move to Toledo for a job transfer. So we miss visiting our family in Milwaukee and the opportunity to go places like The Knick.

"I have to say that the salad was one of my all-time favorites. I am hoping that you will publish the pear salad recipe, which includes a fabulous apricot vinaigrette and balsamic reduction. I would be so grateful to be able to try and make this for me and my family at home."

Mike Robbins, executive chef, sent the recipe. At the restaurant he makes large batches of the dressing and the balsamic reduction. He reduced these recipes for Journal Sentinel readers.

To assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, walnuts, Gorgonzola and ¼ cup of the apricot vinaigrette. Toss well.

Set onto individual serving plates and decoratively garnish each serving with slices of Asian pears, roasted red peppers and a drizzle of the balsamic reduction.

Apricot vinaigrette:
Makes about ¾ cup

4 ounces apricot preserves

½ tablespoon diced shallots

1 tablespoon water

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

¼ cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Note: Any extra dressing can be refrigerated up to one week.

Balsamic reduction:
Makes about ¼ cup

½ cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons honey

In a small pan, bring vinegar to a boil; boil until reduced by half. Add honey, bring to a boil, and then remove from heat and let cool.

Note: Any extra reduction can be kept refrigerated up to one week.

To request a recipe, write ''You Asked for It,'' Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Box 371, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0371; fax to (414) 224-2133; email to jdemski@journalsentinel.com. Requests must include complete restaurant name and address (only businesses still in operation will be considered), as well as your name, address and phone number. (Names and addresses will be withheld upon request.) PColumn compiled by Joanne Kempinger Demski.